Prescription Drugs and Sex -- Not Always a Good Mix

Joe S., a 50-year-old accountant, takes a prescription medication for his
high blood pressure. Jane L., a 35-year-old computer programmer, reduces her
depression
with a different type of medication. They both feel good all day, but certain problems arise at night. Joe cannot maintain an erection and Jane takes a long time to have an orgasm. After a few months of these problems, Joe and Jane start to avoid their partners in bed. Sex becomes an ordeal instead of a pleasure.

Joe and Jane's experiences are typical of many of Americans who take prescription drugs.

If you are having these problems, you are not alone. A lot of prescription medications cause sexual dysfunction.

Sexual Side Effects

Sexual dysfunction is an unwanted side effect of medications that often takes people by surprise. It is not always common for doctors to discuss these side effects with their patients.

If you suspect that a drug you are taking is affecting your sexuality, read through the brochure that came with your prescription. You may be relieved to discover that the drug is the problem.

Taking a drug that reduces your sexual functioning does not mean the end of your sex life. There are many treatments that can reduce sexual side effects.

If you discover that the medications may be causing problems for you, talk to your doctor about making some changes. If your doctor is not open to discussing the problem with you, find one who will.

High Blood Pressure Medications

Men tend to have more problems with medications to treat high blood pressure than women. The medications affect the force of blood, which helps men with erections and women with arousal, desire, and the ability to orgasm.

Common blood pressure medications with sexual side effects include:

Diuretics

Beta blockers

ACE inhibitors

Calcium channel blockers

One approach is to evaluate other aspects of your life. Smoking, alcohol, and lack of physical activity can cause high blood pressure as well as sexual problems. Making small changes can reap great benefits (some activity is better than no activity). It is possible to improve your sex life by making adjustments, despite your medications. Enough changes may even allow you to stop medications. If this doesn't work, there may be other options.

Another approach is to talk to your doctor about switching to a different drug or lowering the dosage. Another possibility is to stop taking the drug for a specified period, like a weekend, when you plan to have sex (a drug holiday). (Note:
This should never be tried without consulting your doctor.)

If none of these approaches help or are not appropriate, impotence treatments are an option. There are oral medications, injections, or
implants
that are inserted into the penis. These approaches can help to produce erections.
Sildenafil is one of the medications that can help improve a man's ability to have and maintain an erection.
You may also want to talk to your doctor about
drug antidotes that counter the negative sexual effects of high blood pressure medications. Do not be embarrassed to speak with your pharmacist as well. A pharmacist can provide valuable information to you and your doctor.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are commonly used and can also affect your sexual health They may negatively affect sexual desire and delay time to orgasm. These include:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Tricyclic antidepressants

MAO inhibitors

For some people, feeling better emotionally via pharmacologic means makes up for any sexual problems caused by antidepressants. However, others stop taking these medications because of the sexual effects.

The treatment options are similar to those for high blood pressure medications. Consider making positive lifestyle changes first. You can switch to a different antidepressant like
bupropion, which has fewer sexual side effects. You could also reduce the dosage or try drug holidays. Unfortunately, a different medication may not reduce the depression. Drug holidays from antidepressants can be difficult because it can take weeks for the drug to clear out of your system. Stopping antidepressants can also be dangerous, so talk to your doctor before trying this. Again, talk to your doctor about drug antidotes for antidepressants. Unlike antihypertensives, most people do not need to take antidepressants for their entire lives. Once they stop taking the drugs, their sexual functioning returns to normal.

Other Medications

Tranquilizers, like
diazepam
and
chlordiazepoxide,
can increase the sexual desires of inhibited people, but, as with other sedatives such as drugs and alcohol, they can delay arousal and orgasm. Doctors may find that many of their patients who take a variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications at the same time experience changes in sexual functioning. Make sure your doctor is aware of all the medications you are taking. They may be able to pinpoint the medication that is causing your side effects.

Psychological Effects

For most people, a sudden change in sexual responsiveness has at least some emotional impact.

Some people on antidepressants become depressed again over their lack of sexual fulfillment. Sexual difficulties can be a blow to a person's self-esteem. It can be a great loss for a man not to be able to have an erection or a woman to become aroused. As a result, sex with their partners can become so uncomfortable that the couples often end up withdrawing from the relationship.

Consider using a variety of sex therapy techniques to communicate feelings with your partner and reconnect with one another. These include nonsexual touching exercises like massage that help partners to experience physical pleasure together once again. Many people find new ways to enhance their sexual satisfaction.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.